Hershey’s Brent Cotten to retire after 34 years

HERSHEY, Pa. — The Hershey Co. announced that Brent Cotten, head of global customer and industry affairs, will retire June 26 after a 34-year career with the company.

Cotten has served as one of Hershey's most visible industry ambassadors, representing the company across major trade associations, customer events and global industry forums. Throughout his tenure, he helped strengthen relationships across the confectionery, convenience and food retail sectors.

He joined Hershey in 1992 as a sales representative in the Nashville, Tenn., district and advanced through a series of leadership positions, including district manager, area sales manager and director of national accounts for U.S. convenience. In his current role, Cotten oversees global customer and industry affairs, representing Hershey to industry partners and trade organizations throughout North America and around the world.

"Brent's impact on Hershey and the broader industry cannot be overstated," said Tiffany Menyhart, chief customer officer at Hershey. "He has been an exceptional leader and advocate for our customers and our industry, and his legacy will continue through the relationships and foundations he helped us build."

Beyond his work at Hershey, Cotten held leadership and advisory positions with numerous industry organizations, including the National Confectioners Association, National Association of Convenience Stores, FMI Foundation, National Association of Chain Drug Stores and the Convenience Distributors Association.

His contributions earned some of the industry's highest honors, including induction into the National Confectionery Sales Association Hall of Fame and the Convenience Store News Hall of Fame. In 2022, he was inducted into the supplier wing of the Hall of Fame, where industry executive Vito Maurici praised his loyalty, perseverance and commitment to customers and family.

Hershey, which generates more than $11.2 billion in annual revenue, markets more than 90 brands in approximately 80 countries, including Hershey's, Reese's, KIT KAT, Jolly Rancher, Twizzlers and SkinnyPop.